New Delhi, India: The Indian government has placed Manipur under direct federal administration days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. Singh, a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stepped down, following months of mounting pressure over his handling of the state’s ethnic violence.
Manipur has been gripped by conflict since May 2023, when clashes erupted between the Meitei majority and the Kuki minority over land rights, job quotas, and economic benefits. More than 250 people have been killed, and tens of thousands have been displaced.
Federal Rule
President Droupadi Murmu’s office announced the imposition of President’s Rule, a constitutional provision allowing direct federal governance when a state government is deemed unable to function effectively.
The decision follows a failure within the BJP to agree on a successor to Singh. The governor’s office also declared a scheduled state assembly session “null and void.” The opposition Congress Party had planned to introduce a no-confidence motion against Singh, which Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed he resigned to avoid. Ramesh also called for federal Home Minister Amit Shah to step down.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been criticized for not visiting Manipur since the violence began, with opposition leaders accusing him of neglecting the crisis.
Manipur gained global attention in July 2023 when a video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob went viral, sparking widespread outrage. While large-scale violence has subsided, tensions remain high, and sporadic clashes continue.
Singh, a Meitei, was accused by Kuki groups of favoring his own community, though he denied these allegations. His government also faced criticism for its handling of the war on drugs, which the Kukis claim is a cover to displace their communities.
The Indian Supreme Court is currently reviewing a petition filed by a Kuki organization, accusing Singh of inciting violence. Petitioners submitted leaked audio recordings as evidence, and the court has requested forensic verification before proceeding. Singh denies any wrongdoing.
Conflict Background
The conflict stems from deep-seated tensions between Meiteis, who make up 53% of Manipur’s population and dominate the Imphal Valley, and Kukis, who primarily inhabit the surrounding hill areas.
The violence erupted in May 2023 when Kukis protested against Meitei demands for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which Kukis feared would allow them to acquire land in Kuki-dominated areas. The state has since been divided, with buffer zones separating the two groups, guarded by security forces and local militias.
Despite multiple efforts at mediation, peace talks between the communities have failed to bring lasting stability.
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